The Australian Education Union today welcomed the Federal Government's decision to establish a working group to advise on the needs of students with disabilities and special needs. 

 AEU Federal President Angelo Gavrielatos said special education was one of the most neglected areas of education.

“We trust this process will deliver a substantial increase in funding to better address the needs of students with disabilities,” Mr Gavrielatos said.

“A growing proportion of students have special needs and the demand for additional resources is significant in public schools, which educate 80 per cent of students with disabilities.

“In the AEU's recent national principal and teacher survey, teachers said one of the best ways to help them improve education outcomes in the classroom was to provide increased support for students with disabilities or behavioural issues.”